Bengals Sign Free-Agent DL Carl Powell

Published 7:00 pm, Saturday, March 1, 2003

Free-agent defensive lineman Carl Powell signed a two-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.

Powell played for new Bengals coach Marvin Lewis last season when Lewis was Washington's defensive coordinator, with 31 tackles and three sacks in 14 games.

He will get a $500,000 signing bonus and about $1.7 million per year.

"Carl can play end or tackle. He has started in both spots, and we see him as a valuable addition to our defensive line," Lewis said. "He's a high-energy player who fits the tempo and style we're trying to establish."

Powell is expected to compete for a starting job at left defensive end.

The 6-foot-2, 272-pound Powell played in 16 games for Chicago in 2001 as a reserve. He was a member of the 2000 Ravens, though he did not play.

The Bengals also announced they acquired safety Brian Leigeb on waivers from Indianapolis, where he played in 15 games last season. Leigeb had 12 special teams tackles and nine tackles on defense.